M1903/M1903A3

The U.S. M1903 and M1903A3 “Springfield” rifles are the greatest of all U.S. military issue bolt action rifles. This series of rifles was originally issued to the many proud and selfless Americans that answered freedom’s call during World War I, World War II, and the Korean War.

The rifles continued to serve as ceremonial rifles by veterans’ organizations such as the VFW, AL, DAV and many others. We are pleased to offer these rifles for sale exclusively to members of CMP affiliated organizations.

These rifles have all seen considerable use. All have been rebuilt at one time or another and should be considered “mix-masters” as they have parts from all manufacturers. These rifles are all returns from veterans’ organizations. Complete rifles are functional. Appearance and overall exterior condition varies from fair to good, except for the barrels. These rifles have been used for ceremonial purposes for decades and probably have fired thousands of blank rounds. Bores may be dark with little or no rifling, pitting, and rust. Wood is sound, but may have minor cracks, dents, scratches and gouges that do not affect function. Metal finish may be worn in spots and minor pitting may be present.

Currently M1903 and M1903A3 models are not available and CMP is not accepting orders.

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE DO NOT EXPECT TO EVER AGAIN RECEIVE LARGE QUANTITIES OF THESE MODELS.

M1903*

WARNING ON “LOW-NUMBER” SPRINGFIELDS

M1903 rifles made before February 1918 utilized receivers and bolts which were single heat-treated by a method that rendered some of them brittle and liable to fracture when fired, exposing the shooter to a risk of serious injury. It proved impossible to determine, without destructive testing, which receivers and bolts were so affected and therefore potentially dangerous.

To solve this problem, the Ordnance Department commenced double heat treatment of receivers and bolts. This was commenced at Springfield Armory at approximately serial number 800,000 and at Rock Island Arsenal at exactly serial number 285,507. All Springfields made after this change are commonly called “high number” rifles. Those Springfields made before this change are commonly called “low-number” rifles.

In view of the safety risk the Ordnance Department withdrew from active service all “low-number” Springfields. During WWII, however, the urgent need for rifles resulted in the rebuilding and reissuing of many “low-number” as well as “high-number” Springfields. The bolts from such rifles were often mixed during rebuilding, and did not necessarily remain with the original receiver.

Generally speaking, “low number” bolts can be distinguished from “high-number” bolts by the angle at which the bolt handle is bent down. All “low number” bolts have the bolt handle bent straight down, perpendicular to the axis of the bolt body. High number bolts have “swept-back” (or slightly rearward curved) bolt handles.

A few straight-bent bolts are of the double heat-treat type, but these are not easily identified, and until positively proved otherwise ANY straight-bent bolt should be assumed to be “low number”. All original swept-back bolts are definitely “high number”. In addition, any bolt marked “N.S.” (for nickel steel) can be safely regarded as “high number” if obtained directly from CMP (beware of re-marked fakes).

CMP DOES NOT RECOMMEND FIRING ANY SPRINGFIELD RIFLE WITH A ”LOW NUMBER” RECEIVER. Such rifles should be regarded as collector’s items, not “shooters”.

CMP ALSO DOES NOT RECOMMEND FIRING ANY SPRINGFIELD RIFLE, REGARDLESS OF SERIAL NUMBER, WITH A SINGLE HEAT-TREATED “LOW NUMBER” BOLT. SUCH BOLTS, WHILE HISTORICALLY CORRECT FOR DISPLAY WITH A RIFLE OF WWI OR EARLIER VINTAGE, MAY BE DANGEROUS TO USE FOR SHOOTING.

THE UNITED STATES ARMY GENERALLY DID NOT SERIALIZE BOLTS. DO NOT RELY ON ANY SERIAL NUMBER APPEARING ON A BOLT TO DETERMINE WHETHER SUCH BOLT IS “HIGH NUMBER” OR “LOW NUMBER”.

Currently M1903 and M1903A3 models are not available and CMP is not accepting orders.

The following items are available for purchase by members of CMP Affiliated Clubs. To place an order for the items listed on this webpage, you must use the Individual Direct Plan Order Form (Individuals) or the Direct Purchase Order Form (CMP Affiliated Clubs).

The CMP does not accept telephone, fax, or online orders for firearms. Ammunition, parts and other surplus items may be ordered by phone, fax, or online if CMP has proof of customer eligibility on file.

About the Civilian Marksmanship Program

The mission of the Civilian Marksmanship Program is to Promote Firearm Safety and Marksmanship Training With an Emphasis on Youth.
Our Vision is That Every Youth in America Has the Opportunity to Participate in Firearm Safety and Marksmanship Programs.